Synonyms for

Fearful

Verb / ˈfɪrfʌl / Another word for fearful — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

feeling afraid or anxious

Synonyms & similar words

dread dire trepid fearsome terrible dreaded frightening horrendous horrific cowardly direful frightful dreadful awful brave timorous scared nervous anxious terrified apprehensive timid shy jittery uneasy panicky jumpy frightened fainthearted cowardly timorous dreadful horrible terrifying horrid petrified

Synonyms by register

Formal

apprehensive anxious dreadful timorous

Informal

scared frightened spooked panicked

Literary

timid aghast quaking

Antonyms

brave bold fearless courageous intrepid valiant undaunted

Common collocations

  • fearful of the dark
  • fearful of failure
  • fearful person
  • fearful glance
  • fearful of heights
  • fearful prospect
  • fearful silence

Word family

noun fear
verb fear
adjective fearful
adverb fearfully

Usage note

Fearful can describe someone who is experiencing fear or something that causes fear. Be mindful of context, as 'fearful' can sometimes imply a lack of courage.

Example sentences

  1. The fearful child clung to his mother's leg.
  2. I am fearful of the dark.
  3. He was fearful of the consequences of his actions.
  4. The fearful dog cowered in the corner.
  5. The storm made me feel fearful.

Quotes

  • The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
  • Fear is the path to the dark side.
  • Fear is the main source of superstition.

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